Subaru XV

Clever tech and driving dynamics beyond most SUVs

A smart and stylish take on the crossover formula

With its midlife facelift coming with a price rise across the range, does the top-spec XV do enough to justify some extra coffers?

Subaru joins the hybrid party with its small SUV. So how does the 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid stack up?

The XV-replacing Subaru Crosstrek, is due in April with more technology – but the same engines as the previous model, and higher prices.

The top of the Australian new-car sales charts is dominated by fleet vehicles. But what are the favourite choices when it comes to private buyers?

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will launch in Australia with four variants, two of which will be hybrids.

The successor to today's Subaru XV is coming to Australia with a new look and more technology – but Subaru Australia is yet to confirm when the first cars will arrive.

Deborah is looking for a city SUV with solid open-road chops.

Welcome to the CarAdvice.com News Desk, a regular video wrap of the latest happenings in the automotive world and Australia's new-car market.

The Subaru is small enough to deal with the small streets of Balmain and powerful enough to tow our van to far North Queensland.

My middle of the range XV is the second Subaru XV I own. I also have a 2014 XV. Read the owner review and find out what it is like

Wadih Ogeil has owned Subarus for more than a quarter of a century. In fact, he loves his Subaru XV so much that he's just upgraded it – with the same spec and same bright orange finish.

My Beloved 3.0R-B Liberty was starting to get a bit old and Was not practical for what I needed daily (Fit kids/Dog in boot, Cheap to run etc). So I had to weigh up what I needed in a newer car that was going to fit all criteria, unfortunately I had to rule out a Performance car in my Budget as would of been too old or expensive to run... So the XV-L Manual fitted all criteria, (Late model, Practical size as a second car to run kids to school and drive to work, with some highway driving on occasion, Cheap to run, Fuel, Rego, Running cots etc, Manual gearbox, good phone connectivity, safe and comfortable, not just a boring fwd hatch,). So I found one the right Model, Year, Price and colour etc. Jumped on it and traded in the old Liberty. I think the XV has a good look for a compact SUV and is a bit more rugged looking than most. With a Proper AWD System and decent ground clearance. The interior is Functional, well made and all relatively easy to use, mostly good quality materials and feels built to last. (No rattles, noises or loose trims) A lot of people complained about the Sat Nav infotainment unit in this model. But I find it easy to use once you know the functions, works effectively and has a decent sized screen/Reverse camera.. The 2.0l engine is No performance engine, but is smooth, Fuel efficient and with the Manual gearbox you can hold the gears and rev the engine out when you need to get going.. The gearing is probably a bit Tall for a small engine but does offer Low engine revs for highway driving in 6th gear. It helps make for a smooth, quiet and comfortable car for highway driving. The boot isn't huge but being a Hatch is practical to fit in kids school bags and the dog etc. So far has been reliable and cheap to run. It has ticked all the boxes that I require for what I use the car for on a daily basis. Yes I do sometimes miss the power, Short Gearing and handling of the 3.R-b Liberty. But the XV also has its own charms. It has some of that old skool Subaru Boxer 4 throb from its 2.0l engine. Is more comfortable and practical. has some all terrain capability. Certainly cheaper to run etc. A slightly bigger Boot and more power would be nice, unfortunately the New XV is not available with the manual gearbox anymore which would rule it out for me. It would probably be a bit small to be the Main Family car, but as a second car or for people with None or maybe one child would be fine..